Tolog Review: Code Name Verity

Code Name Verity
by Elizabeth Wein
reviewed by Hannah Musich 

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein is an intense novel written in the heat of conflict. Set in World War II, the main character, Verity, is captured by Nazi forces. While she is a spy held captive, in order to save herself she must describe various parts of the British army for the Nazi forces. At first she writes about the harsh realities of war, and the torture that will befall her if she fails to please the officers. She begins angry and hopeless; however, Verity begins to open to the readers or in this case Von Linden, a Nazi officer, about her life leading up to her capture. Her unexpected sense of humanity in such a dark and alien environment catches the officer off guard. As she describes her environment around her, and the terror which befalls her, she also begins to talk about her best friend, Maddie. Maddie we learn, is a British pilot who dropped her in Germany. The readers learn about Verity and Maddie’s unique partnership, unexpected friendship, and outstanding courage. 

Code Name Verity allows the readers to find safety in Verity’s writing as she is faced with life and death every day. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for suspense novel that keeps them on the edge of their seat but can remind them of what home really means. This book is a demonstration of the power of humankind. In order to keep what little hope one has alive, one must always remember who they are, and where they came from; if not, they have nothing.